Mobile device and accessory case with articulated structure

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for use with a mobile electronic device comprising a housing having articulated structures on one or more of the housing side walls, the articulated structures including at least two segments forming an engagement which enables pivotal motion upon the application of a force on the housing thus enabling the housing to flex responsively.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Non-provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 16/358,566 filed on Mar. 19, 2019, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to mobile electronic devices, such ascell phones, smartphones and tablets, and more particularly, to mobileelectronic devices with improved portability and comfort features.

Mobile electronic devices generally include a housing or body and adisplay device supported by the body to be accessible on the bodysurface. The development of technology increasing the functionality ofthe phone and its components have led to the display becoming theprimary input/output device. The displays are generally liquid crystaldisplays mounted under a rigid layer of cover glass. While the coverglass protects the liquid crystal display from damage, the rigid natureof the cover glass and other display layers render the displayinflexible.

Larger-sized displays have become more desirable as the use of mobileelectronic devices has grown. Many people now use a smartphone forwatching videos and viewing pictures instead of a laptop or PC. Asdisplays have grown, the size of the housing has been reduced to attemptto increase the portability of the device. The display most oftencomprises an entire side of the housing. While the larger sized displaysare appealing, the rigid layer on the display effectively renders theentire mobile device inflexible. When the mobile electronic device issmartphone, some flexibility from a mobile device would be desirable,particularly when carrying or transporting the device, such as carryingin a pants pocket, waist band, vest pocket or any other place in contactwith the body or an irregular shaped item.

Accordingly, it would be desirable and there is a need for mobiledevices with greater flexibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally directed to mobile electronic devices, suchas smartphones, which in some embodiments are rigid but in otherembodiments are configured and adapted to be flexible or bendable, thatis having a flexible display with a flexible housing that is enabled forbending in multiple dimensions and directions responsive to an appliedforce and then returning to a rest condition responsive to the cessationof the applied force. In some embodiments, the housing is furtherconstructed of a deformable material. Devices constructed according tosome embodiments of the invention are configured to provide ergonomicbenefits, including for a user's back and other parts of the body. Insome embodiments, the mobile electronic devices of the invention possessshatter-resistant qualities and resiliency to damage caused by impact.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a housing having atleast two opposing side walls defining an interior space therein, a sidewall of the at least two opposing side walls defining an interior sidewall surface and an exterior side wall surface, wherein the interiorsurface is adjacent the interior space, the side wall further comprisingan articulated structure in an intermediate position of the side wall,and the intermediate position of the articulated structure dividing theside wall into a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion.The first side wall portion includes an axial first side wall hole, thesecond side wall portion including an axial second side wall hole, thearticulated structure defining a joint comprising: a segment comprisinga body defining a first end and a second end, the body including a axialconduit defined therein between the first end and the second end, theaxial conduit having a first opening and a second opening, the firstopening being at the first end and the second opening being at thesecond end, the first end including an axially protruding member and alateral shoulder adjacent to the first opening, the second end includinga recessed space adjacent to an axial arm, the axial arm having alateral end, wherein the first end and second end form an engagementwhereby the recessed space receives the protruding member therein andthe lateral shoulder of the first end is positioned adjacent to thelateral end of the axial arm of the second end, and wherein the axialconduits of the segment, the axial first side wall hole and the axialsecond side wall hole are aligned by the engagement; and a post having afirst end and a second end, the post extending through the alignedconduits of the segment, wherein the first end of the post is receivedin the axial first side wall hole and the second end of the post isreceived in the second side wall hole.

In some embodiments the aforementioned housing further comprises asupport member engaged with the first side wall portion, the supportmember having an elongated body with a longitudinal conduit definedtherein, the longitudinal conduit being in axial alignment with theaxial first side wall hole, wherein the post extends into thelongitudinal conduit. In some embodiments the recessed space is concave.In some embodiments, the protruding member is convex. In someembodiments, there is a group of segments comprising two or moresegments.

In some embodiments, each opposing side wall of the at least twoopposing side walls include the articulated structure. In someembodiments, the articulated structure on each opposing side wall islaterally aligned. In some embodiments, the post is constructed of adeformable material.

In some embodiments, the engagement enables pivotal movement of thefirst side wall portion and the second side wall portion relative to oneanother ranging from a rest condition to about twenty degrees. In someembodiments, the engagement enables pivotal movement of each segmentrelative to either one another or a side wall that ranges from a restcondition to about five degrees.

In some embodiments, the engagement is biased to maintain thearticulated structure in a parallel relationship with the side wall.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a housing for a mobiledevice comprising: at least two opposing side walls defining an interiorspace therein, each side wall of the at least two opposing side wallsdefining an interior side wall surface and an exterior side wallsurface, wherein the interior surface is adjacent the interior space,each side wall further comprising an articulated structure in anintermediate position of the side wall, the intermediate position of thearticulated structure dividing the side wall into a first side wallportion and a second side wall portion, the first side wall portionincluding an axial first side wall hole, the second side wall portionincluding an axial second side wall hole, the articulated structuredefining a joint comprising: a group of at least two segments, eachsegment of the group comprising a body defining a first end and a secondend, the body including a axial conduit defined therein between thefirst end and the second end, the axial conduit having a first openingand a second opening, the first opening being at the first end and thesecond opening being at the second end, the first end including anaxially protruding member and a lateral shoulder adjacent to the firstopening, the axially protruding member having a convex distal endportion, the second end including a recessed concave space adjacent tolaterally opposing axial arms, each of the laterally opposing axial armshaving a lateral end surface, wherein the first end and second end forman engagement whereby the recessed concave space receives the convexdistal end portion of the protruding member therein and the lateralshoulder of the first end is positioned adjacent to the lateral endsurfaces of the laterally opposing axial arms of the second end, andwherein the axial conduits of the at least two segments, the axial firstside wall hole and the axial second side wall hole are aligned by theengagement; and a post having a first end and a second end, the postextending through the aligned conduits of the at least two segments,wherein the first end of the post is received in the axial first sidewall hole and the second end of the post is received in the second sidewall hole.

In some embodiments, the articulated structure divides each side wallinto first side wall portions of equal longitudinal length and secondside wall portions of equal longitudinal length.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a housing for a mobiledevice comprising: at least two opposing side walls defining an interiorspace therein, a side wall of the at least two opposing side wallsdefining an interior side wall surface and an exterior side wallsurface, wherein the interior surface is adjacent the interior space,the side wall further comprising an articulated structure in anintermediate position of the side wall, the intermediate position of thearticulated structure dividing the side wall into a first side wallportion and a second side wall portion, the first side wall portionincluding a support member adjacent the intermediate position, thesupport member having an elongated body with a longitudinal conduitdefined therein, the second side wall portion including an axial secondside wall hole, the articulated structure defining a joint comprising: agroup of at least two segments, each segment of the group comprising abody defining a first end and a second end, the body including a axialconduit defined therein between the first end and the second end, theaxial conduit having a first opening and a second opening, the firstopening being at the first end and the second opening being at thesecond end, the first end including an axially protruding member and alateral shoulder adjacent to the first opening, the second end includinga recessed space adjacent to an axial arm, the axial arm having alateral end, wherein the first end and second end form an engagementwhereby the recessed space receives the protruding member therein andthe lateral shoulder of the first end is positioned adjacent to thelateral end of the axial arm of the second end, and wherein the axialconduits of the at least two segments, the longitudinal conduit and theaxial second side wall hole are aligned by the engagement; and a posthaving a first end and a second end, the post extending through thealigned conduits of the at least two segments, wherein the first end ofthe post is received in the longitudinal conduit and the second end ofthe post is received in the second side wall hole.

In some embodiments, each side wall includes the articulated structure.In some embodiments, the articulated structures on each side wall arelaterally aligned.

In some embodiments, the engagement enables pivotal movement of eachsegment relative to another segment or the first and/or second side wallportions ranging from zero to about five degrees or greater. In someembodiments, the engagement enables pivotal movement of the first sidewall portion and the second side wall portion relative to one anotherranging from zero to about twenty degrees or greater.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for use witha rigid or flexible mobile electronic device, the mobile electronicdevice having a body, the body including a processing device, memory anda display, the system comprising: a sensor operatively associated withthe mobile electronic device for detecting contact with the display; anda device, apparatus or otherwise a means for actuating a feature thathelps prevent unauthorized access to the mobile electronic deviceresponsive to the determination that the detected contact is accidental.

In some embodiments, the device, apparatus or otherwise means foractuating a feature that helps prevent unauthorized access to the mobileelectronic device comprises downloadable software application stored inthe memory, the application being in communication with the sensor toreceive data relating to the contact and determine whether the contactis accidental contact, wherein the mobile electronic device is madeinaccessible responsive to the determination that the detected contactis accidental.

In some embodiments, the software application determines whether thecontact is accidental based on the determined characteristics of thedetected contact.

In some embodiments, the software application determines whether thecontact is accidental based on a comparison of the determinedcharacteristics of the contact with threshold values of characteristicsassociated with accidental contact.

In some embodiments, the software application actuates a screen lockfeature responsive to the detected contact being determined to beaccidental contact.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned system further comprises: a casefor mating with the body, the case including one or more sidewallsconfigured to correspond and accommodate at least a portion of an outersurface of the body; and a transparent cover covering the display, thecover being secured in position by at least one of the one or more outersidewalls of the case.

In some embodiments, the one or more outer sidewalls of the casecomprises at least one set of parallel sidewalls.

In some embodiments, the one or more sidewalls further comprises a spacefor mounting the sensor therein, the sensor being mounted in a positionbetween an outer surface of the body and an inner surface of the one ormore sidewalls.

In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a strip of material in contactwith at least one edge of the transparent cover.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for use witha mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device having a body,the body including a processing device, memory and a display, the systemcomprising: apparatus, devices or means for detecting contact with thedisplay; and a software application stored in the memory, theapplication being in communication with the means for detecting contactwith the cover to receive data relating to the contact and determinewhether the contact is accidental contact, wherein the mobile electronicdevice is made inaccessible responsive to the determination that thedetected contact is accidental.

In some embodiments, the apparatus, devices or means for detectingcontact with the display comprises a sensor secured to the body andoperatively associated with the display for detecting contact with thedisplay.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises: a case for matingwith the body, the case including one or more sidewalls configured tocorrespond and accommodate at least a portion of an outer surface of thebody; and a transparent cover covering the display, the cover beingsecured in position by at least one of the one or more outer sidewallsof the case. The apparatus, devices or means for detecting contact withthe display may comprise a sensor mounted to the case, the sensor beingoperatively associated with the cover for detecting capacitance.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for use witha mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device having a body,the body including a processing device, memory and a display, the systemcomprising: a case for mating with the body, the case including one ormore sidewalls configured to correspond and accommodate at least aportion of an outer surface of the body; a transparent cover coveringthe display, the cover being secured in position by at least one of theone or more outer sidewalls of the case; a device, apparatus or meansfor detecting contact with the cover; and a software application storedin the memory, the application being in communication with the means fordetecting contact with the cover to receive data relating to the contactand determine whether the contact is accidental contact, wherein themobile electronic device is made inaccessible responsive to thedetermination that the detected contact is accidental.

In some embodiments, the device, apparatus or means for detectingcontact with the cover comprises a sensor mounted to the case, thesensor being operatively associated with the cover for detecting contactwith the cover.

In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect one ofcapacitance and force applied to the cover.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for use witha mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device having a body,the body including a processing device, memory and a display, the systemcomprising: a case for mating with the body, the case including one ormore sidewalls configured to correspond and accommodate at least aportion of an outer surface of the body; a transparent cover coveringthe display, the cover being secured in position by at least one of theone or more outer sidewalls of the case; a sensor mounted to the case,the sensor being operatively associated with the cover for detectingcontact with the cover; and a software application stored in the memory,the application being in communication with the sensor for detectingcontact with the cover to receive data relating to the contact anddetermine whether the contact is accidental contact, wherein the mobileelectronic device is made inaccessible responsive to the determinationthat the detected contact is accidental.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a battery and a datacommunication device mounted to the one or more sidewalls of the case,the data communication device being configured for communicating withthe software application.

In some embodiments, the one or more sidewalls further comprises a spacefor mounting the sensor, battery and data communication device therein,the sensor, battery and data communication device being mounted in aposition between an outer surface of the body and an inner surface ofthe one or more sidewalls.

In some embodiments, the software application actuates a screen lockfeature responsive to the detected contact being determined to beaccidental contact.

In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a strip of material in contactwith at least one edge of the transparent cover.

In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect one ofcapacitance and force applied to the cover.

In some embodiments, the software application determines whether thecontact is accidental based on the characteristics of the detectedcontact.

In some embodiments, the software application determines whether thecontact is accidental based on a detection of capacitance associatedwith the detected contact.

Some embodiments are directed to an accessory device for use with amobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device having a body,the body including a processing device, memory and a display, theaccessory device comprising: a case for mating with the body, the caseincluding one or more sidewalls configured to correspond and accommodateat least a portion of an outer surface of the body; a transparent covercovering the display, the cover being secured in position by at leastone of the one or more outer sidewalls of the case; a sensor mounted tothe case, which may be fully or partially located in the device ordisplay itself, the sensor being operatively associated with the coverfor detecting contact with the cover; and a device, apparatus orotherwise a means for actuating a feature that helps preventunauthorized access to the mobile electronic device responsive to thedetermination that the detected contact is accidental.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the device,apparatus or means for actuating a feature that helps preventunauthorized access to the mobile electronic device comprisesdownloadable software application stored in the memory, the applicationbeing in communication with the sensor to receive data relating to thecontact and determine whether the contact is accidental contact, whereinthe mobile electronic device is made inaccessible responsive to thedetermination that the detected contact is accidental.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device the case orbody is constructed of a flexible or deformable material, whereas insome embodiments of the accessory device, the case or body isconstructed on an inflexible material.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the one ormore outer sidewalls of the case comprises at least one set of parallelsidewalls.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the sensorcomprises a strip of material in contact with at least one edge of thetransparent cover.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned accessory device furthercomprises a data communication device operatively associated with thesensor for receiving and transmitting data relating to the contact.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned accessory device furthercomprises a power source for powering the sensor.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the one ormore sidewalls further comprises a space for mounting the sensortherein, the sensor being mounted in a position between an outer surfaceof the body and an inner surface of the one or more sidewalls.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the sensoris configured to detect one of capacitance and force applied to thecover.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to an accessory devicefor use with a mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic devicehaving a body, the body including a processing device, memory and adisplay, the accessory device comprising: a case for mating with thebody, the case including one or more sidewalls configured to correspondand accommodate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body; atransparent cover covering the display, the cover being secured inposition by at least one of the one or more outer sidewalls of the case;an apparatus, device or other means for detecting contact with thecover; and a software application stored in the memory, the applicationbeing in communication with the apparatus, device or other means fordetecting contact with the cover to receive data relating to the contactand determine whether the contact is accidental contact, wherein themobile electronic device is made inaccessible responsive to thedetermination that the detected contact is accidental.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, theapparatus, device or means for detecting contact with the covercomprises a sensor mounted to the case, the sensor being operativelyassociated with the cover for detecting contact with the cover.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device the softwareapplication determines whether the contact is accidental based on adetection of capacitance associated with the detected contact.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the softwareapplication determines whether the contact is accidental based on thecharacteristics of the detected contact.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the softwareapplication actuates a screen lock feature responsive to the detectedcontact being determined to be accidental contact.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to an accessory devicefor use with a mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic devicehaving a body, the body including a processing device, memory and adisplay, the accessory device comprising: a case for mating with thebody, the case including one or more sidewalls configured to correspondand accommodate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body; atransparent cover covering the display, the cover being secured inposition by at least one of the one or more outer sidewalls of the case;a sensor mounted to the case, the sensor being operatively associatedwith the cover for detecting contact with the cover; and a softwareapplication stored in the memory, the application being in communicationwith the sensor for detecting contact with the cover to receive datarelating to the contact and determine whether the contact is accidentalcontact, wherein the mobile electronic device is made inaccessibleresponsive to the determination that the detected contact is accidental.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned accessory device furthercomprises a battery and a data communication device mounted to the oneor more sidewalls of the case, the data communication device beingconfigured for communicating with the software application.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the one ormore sidewalls further comprises a space for mounting the sensor,battery and data communication device therein, the sensor, battery anddata communication device being mounted in a position between an outersurface of the body and an inner surface of the one or more sidewalls.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the softwareapplication actuates a screen lock feature responsive to the detectedcontact being determined to be accidental contact.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the softwareapplication determines whether the contact is accidental based on thecharacteristics of the detected contact.

In some embodiments of the aforementioned accessory device, the softwareapplication determines whether the contact is accidental based on adetection of capacitance associated with the detected contact.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a mobile electronicdevice having a display, the mobile electronic device including asensor, the sensor being operatively associated with the display fordetecting contact with the display; and a software application stored inthe memory, the application being in communication with the sensor fordetecting contact with the display to receive data relating to thecontact and determine whether the contact is accidental contact, whereinthe mobile electronic device is made inaccessible responsive to thedetermination that the detected contact is accidental.

Other embodiments, features and advantages of the invention will bereadily appreciated and apparent from the following detailed descriptionwhen considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 are perspective views of an illustrative flexible electronicdevice in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of the inventiondepicting an electronic device including a sensor for facilitating thedetermination of intended and unintended contact with the electronicdevice, which might lead to unintended operation of the electronicdevice if not for such determination;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of yet another embodiment of theinvention depicting an electronic device including a case, wherein thecase includes a sensor for facilitating the determination of intendedand unintended contact with the display of the electronic device, whichmight lead to unintended operation of the electronic device if not forsuch determination;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the case shown in FIG. 5 with theelectronic device removed from the case;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the case shown in FIG. 5 with theelectronic device removed from the case;

FIG. 8 is a top schematic view of a flexible housing for a mobile deviceconstructed in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a top schematic view of the flexible housing shown in FIG. 8with the back panel removed;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the flexible housing shown in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a segment of an articulated structureconstructed in accordance with some embodiments of the invention and asshown in the embodiment of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 12 is a partial exploded view illustrating various elements of anarticulated structure constructed in accordance with some embodiments ofthe invention and as shown in FIG. 8 ; and

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view illustrating various elements ofan articulated structure constructed in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention and as shown in FIG. 8 , including the relativeposition of elements adjacent to the sidewalls of the housing;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view illustrating various elements ofan articulated structure constructed in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention and as shown in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view illustrating a portion of a firstsection of the housing in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention and as shown in FIG. 8 ; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a second sectionof the housing in accordance with some embodiments of the invention andas shown in FIG. 8 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description provides exemplary embodiments offlexible and deformable electronic devices. For illustrative purposes,the exemplary embodiments are depicted as smartphones. However, itshould be understood that the invention may also be embodied in anymobile electronic device or other suitable electronic device, such as acell phone, laptop computer, a tablet computer or a media player.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a flexible electronicdevice fabricated or provided with various flexible internal andexternal elements that allow the device to be flexible. The flexibleinternal elements may include a flexible display, flexible batteries,flexible circuit boards or other flexible electrical or supportelements, some of which may be relatively more or less flexible thanother elements, or combinations of flexible and rigid elements, asneeded to enable the device to be overall capable of being flexible.

It should be understood that in these embodiments the technology andcomponents for enabling smartphone functionality such as receivers,audio and speaker device, may vary while remaining within the scope ofthe invention which provides a smartphones capable of being flexed orbent between 0 degrees (at rest, or a planar, non-flexing condition) andabout 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal or latitudinal axes orrespective planes of the phone, in any direction. In other words,devices, such as device 10 discussed below, is sufficiently flexible anddeformable to twist in multiple dimensions responsive to one or moreapplied forces.

In some embodiments, the applied force is comparable to the forceapplied to a smartphone in a pocket of a user as the user moves, such aswhen standing, sitting, walking or running, that is, the device conformsto the contours of a user's body when the user's body is pressed againstthe device, and possesses sufficiently resiliency to continuefunctioning and return to a non-flexed rest condition. In general theapplied force may be in the range of about 0.0001 Newton to about 20Newtons.

FIG. 1 illustrates a smartphone of the invention generally referred toby the reference numeral 10. Smartphone or device 10 includes a flexibledisplay 12. Flexible display 12 may be fabricated of one or more oflayers of flexible electronic ink displays, organic light-emitting diode(OLED) display, polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display basedon a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs). Incertain embodiments, display 12 is a touch-screen coupled to atouch-screen controller or other touch-sensitive display overlay toenable interaction with any images displayed on a display device. Itshould be appreciated that the display devices may be of any suitablesizes, shapes, and configurations.

In this embodiment, display 12 is a touch-sensitive display. However,the display may include one or more mechanisms, devices or sensors, orother elements which provide functionality as described herein existingnow or in the future (collectively, a “sensor” or “sensors”) fordetecting input such as strain gauge sensors, resistance sensors,proximity sensors, piezoelectric sensors or capacitive sensors (sensorsmeasuring force and/or touch events using capacitance measurements),ambient light sensors, touch sensors, force sensors, temperaturesensors, pressure sensors, magnetic sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopesand other sensors for measuring orientation (e.g., position sensors,orientation sensors), microelectromechanical systems sensors, and othersensors. Such sensors may measure applied force from a user's fingers orother source of pressure, as well as make capacitance measurements todetermine the position of a user's fingers on display 12.

Device 10 includes a housing 14, which may also be referred to as acase. Housing 14 may be formed of one or more of a deformable or elasticmaterial, such as an elastomer or other polymer with viscoelasticity,silicone, neoprene rubber, natural gum rubber, latex, vinyl rubber(PVC), or a rigid material like plastic, glass, ceramics, fibercomposites, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), othersuitable materials, or a combination of these materials. For example,housing 14 may be comprised of portions of rigid materials and flexiblematerials alternately connected to one another to create a compositecasing that can be flexible and deformable in certain locations. Any ofthese materials may be further encased in a deformable material.

Housing 14 may be provided with features such as speaker ports,microphone ports, connector ports such as illustrative connector port16, or other structures for accommodating sensors and antennas, or otherdevice features, all of which are mounted to compensate when device 10is flexed, that is, bent or twisted. Device 10 may also be provided withuser interface components (input-output components) such as buttons,microphones, speakers, piezoelectric actuators or (for receivingelectrical input from a user or tactile feedback to users). Thesecomponents may be mounted on device 10 to be accessible from outsidehousing 14, such as illustrative button 18.

Device 10 may include within housing 14 one or more components,electronics and circuitry collectively and illustratively referred toherein as device control elements 20. Control elements 20 may includestorage and processing circuitry for supporting the operation of device10. The storage and processing circuitry may include storage such ashard disk drive storage, nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory or otherelectrically-programmable-read-only memory configured to form a solidstate drive), volatile memory, etc. Processing circuitry in controlelements 20 may be used to control the operation of device 10. Theprocessing circuitry may be based on one or more microprocessors,microcontrollers, digital signal processors, baseband processors, powermanagement units, audio chips, application specific integrated circuits,etc. Control elements 20 may be used to run software on device 10 suchas an operating system and mobile applications. Control elements 20 issecured and/or mounted on substrates within housing 14 to allow forflexing of device 10 without causing damage or interference to device 10operations. The mounting of control elements 20 may be in someembodiments on flexible substrates and/or positioned in housing 14within an outer casing of flexible, resilient and/or deformablematerial.

In some embodiments, control elements 20 is configured to include one ormore dual interconnections or redundant electrical contacts betweencomponents, or otherwise includes a greater amount of electricalconductive material at soldered points or connections to accommodate anyflexing of the control elements 20 responsive to the bending of device10.

In some embodiments, electrical signal paths formed by electricallyconductive materials within control elements 20, such as carbon,graphene, metals like aluminum or copper wiring, or conductive tracematerials, may have segments of electrically conductive materials of athickness or form, may be mounted with redundancies on a flexiblesubstrate material, or otherwise be configured in a pattern orarrangement, such as a serpentine configuration or other configurations,at least for the purpose of accommodating the flexing of device 10 whilemaintaining the electrical signal path and avoiding breakage ordisconnection.

In some embodiments, the electrically conductive materials andconnections, as well as some of the components forming control elements20, are configured and fabricated with materials that provide an abilityfor such materials, connections and/or components to be bendable orotherwise sufficiently flex to accommodate the flexibility of device 10.

In this embodiment, device 10 also includes a deformation sensor 22configured to detect flexing or deformations of all or part of thedevice 10, such as the deformations shown in FIGS. 1-3 . In someembodiments, control elements 20 cause device 10 to be automaticallyrendered inaccessible or locked responsive to detection of a thresholdamount of device 10 deformation. To render the device inaccessiblecontrol elements 20 may actuate a screen lock or suspend featureresponsive to the detection of deformation of device 10. The terminaccessible may refer to a variety of conditions of device 10. Forexample, device 10 may be made inaccessible as described herein butstill be partially or fully responsive to some input and may alsoreceive data and calls. Once device 10 is made inaccessible, a touch orpasscode verification to be made accessible again may be required.Alternatively, device 10 may automatically become accessible again orunlock responsive to deformation sensor 22 no longer detectingdeformation of device 10, or the conditions which are likely to resultin deformation of device 10, such as the detection of an application ofa threshold amount of pressure. Threshold amount as referred to hereinmay be any condition which either results or is likely to result in adeformation or flexing of device 10.

For example, if device 10 is made to bend when in the pocket of asitting person, device 10 is made inaccessible by the detection ofdeformation of device 10 received from deformation sensor 22, wherebyaccidental entries can be avoided, such as for example, inadvertentaccess known as “pocket dialing”, “butt dialing”, “ghost dialing” or anyother inadvertent access or calling due to any circumstances includingwhen device 10 is in luggage or a backpack.

In some embodiments, deformation sensor 22 is a pressure sensor whichdetects the application of sufficient or threshold amount of pressure ondevice 10 to cause an expected deformation of device 10. Responsive tosensor 22 detecting sufficient pressure to cause deformation of device10, device 10 may be locked until a preset condition is met, such asless than the threshold amount of pressure is detected or the device 10being in a flat, planar condition.

FIG. 4 illustrates a device 110 including sensor 122 configured tocommunicate with control elements 120 to detect contact with device 110and differentiate between unwanted contact and intended contact, therebyalternately locking or unlocking the touchscreen display 112. In thisembodiment, the contact may or may not cause deformation of device 110.Device 110 may be rigid, partially rigid, foldable or constructed fordeformation, such as device 10.

Sensor 122 may be positioned and configured to detect pressure and/orcapacitance for purposes of determining if the pressure and/orcapacitance derives from a finger touching display 112. In otherembodiments, sensor 122 may be positioned adjacent to display 112 andconfigured to detect the relative area of the pressure applied todisplay 112, capacitance, and/or the area of concentration of pressureapplied to display 112, for purposes of determining whether or not thepressure is caused by a finger contacting display 112 of device 110.

Control elements 120 may be configured either automatically or by userselection to respond in different ways depending on the type, amount,extent, timing or other characteristics of the force and/or capacitancedetected. For example, device 110 may be configured to respond to thedetection of force and/or capacitance to lock or unlock the display 112,or display a notification requesting additional action to lock or unlockthe display 112. In some embodiments, device 110 may shut off orotherwise receive but not act upon physical contact unless there is aparticular unlocking action first, such as a double click, double swipe,code entry, etc.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which anindependent accessory device or system for a mobile electronic device,includes a shell or case 215 is disposed over housing 214. Case 215includes a transparent shield or cover 217 disposed over display 212 ofdevice 210. Case 215 is dimensioned and shaped to fit over housing 214,along with cover 215. Case 215 includes a sensor 222 for detectingcontact with device 210 and more particularly shield 217 over display212. Sensor 222 can be configured to detect pressure and/or capacitanceapplied to shield 217. Sensor 222 is also configured to communicate withan application downloaded to memory residing in device 210, such as thedevice memory included with control elements 220 via data communicationdevice 224. The communication may be through any suitable means, andcommunication device 224 can be constructed accordingly. For example,communication device 224 may be configured to transmit via short rangewireless connection (e.g., “Bluetooth”), or through a physicalconnection with a port on device 210. The application of this embodimentincludes executable code stored in the memory of device 210 which,responsive to communication from sensor 222, determines whether thedevice 210 should be locked or unlocked based on the characteristics ofthe contact with case 215 and/or cover 217.

For example, pressure applied to cover 217 without capacitance would becommunicated via sensor 222 to device 210. The application in the memoryof device 210 may then lock display 212, or remain locked if lockedalready. Pressure applied to cover 217 in a concentrated area combinedwith detecting capacitance from a finger touch to display 212 (throughcover 217) would be communicated via sensor 222 to device 210 resultingin the application unlocking device 210.

In some embodiments, sensor 222 is disposed within case 215 such asalong the exterior edges of cover 217, thereby being between the outersurface of housing 214 and the inner surface of case 215. Sensor 222 maybe a shaped as a strip or flat wire for space considerations anddisposed on all or a portion of the outer periphery of cover 217. Sensor222 may be thus enabled to detect contact or force applied on cover 215with or without capacitance being created at the same time. For example,as shown in FIG. 5-7 , sensor 222 is within case 215 and in contact withan edge of cover 217. A power source, such as a battery 226, which maybe replaceable or rechargeable, is also included within case 215 tosupply power to sensor 222 and communication device 224.

In use, case 215 may be mounted onto a device 210. Device 210 may be thesame or similar to any of the mobile electronic devices mentionedherein, such as devices 10 and 110, a partially flexible or a rigiddevice, such as a conventional smartphone, a foldable device, and of anyshape, size or form. A mobile software application is downloaded ondevice 210 to be executable by control elements 220. Contact with cover217 would be detected by sensor 222 and then communicated bycommunication device 224 and recognized by the mobile software. Theapplication may direct an action of device 210 responsive to the contactdetected, such as whether the contact includes force detected with orwithout capacitance. In some embodiments, a notification may begenerated on the display of the phone regarding the contact. Forexample, a notification may be displayed requesting entry of a code orpattern on the display device to unlock the phone. Force detected oncover 217 without capacitance may result in the software applicationdirecting device 210 to engage the screen lock. Capacitance withoutforce may result in a notification requesting the press of a button tounlock the screen lock. Screen lock as described herein may include theactuation of a device feature that helps prevent unauthorized access tothe device, which thereafter requires a specific action or sequence ofactions to be correctly performed by anyone attempting to unlock and usethe device.

In some embodiments, a software application, such as those residing inthe data storage or memory of a mobile electronic device, which may bedownloadable through a connection with the Internet or preinstalled, isconfigured and enabled to use existing components and systems, such ascontrol elements 220, to determine whether contact with the display isaccidental or not. Responsive to the determination that the contact isaccidental or unintended, the software application may be configured toactuate the display device locking feature. Contact with the displaygenerates data which is assessed by the application of this embodimentof the invention. Thus, the application is configured to receive signalsand data which may be generated responsive to contact with the displayby the display and other components or control elements, such as aprocessor. The data analyzed by the application in determining whetherthe contact is intended or unintended for purposes of actuating thelocking feature may include or relate to information regarding thedetermined characteristics of the contact, such as the volume or area ofthe contact, position where the contact occurs on the display device(which may be further related or considered in connection with thelocation of displayed items such as virtual slides or buttons displayedon the display device), capacitance detected, or duration of contact.This data may then be compared with preset parameters and values for thecharacteristics of intended contact or unintended contact to determinethe variance between the data received as a result of the detectedcharacteristics and one or both of the characteristics of intended andunintended contact to determine the relative likelihood of the contactbeing either intended or unintended. The application may assign athreshold value, or sensitivity level, for the relative likelihood,which may be adjustable by the mobile electronic device user, such thata higher sensitivity would more often result in locking the display. Forexample, a user may decrease the sensitivity such that a relativelikelihood of contact being unintended of 90% or greater must bedetermined before the display is locked. Conversely, a user may increasethe sensitivity such that the display will lock responsive to adetermination of a relative likelihood of contact being unintended is50% or greater. The application may utilize the mobile electronic deviceprocessor and other components to perform or otherwise facilitate any orall of the aforementioned tasks.

In general, a device such as described herein, may include at least oneor more processors or processing units and a system memory. Thecontroller typically also includes at least some form of computerreadable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer readablemedia may include computer storage media and communication media.Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removableand non-removable media implemented in any method or technology thatenables storage of information, such as computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication mediatypically embody computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as acarrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any informationdelivery media. Those skilled in the art should be familiar with themodulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics setor changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope ofcomputer readable media.

In some embodiments, a controller may include a processor, which asdescribed herein, includes any programmable system including systems andmicrocontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits (PLC),and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functionsdescribed herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus arenot intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of theterm processor.

FIG. 8-16 illustrate a housing 314 which includes articulated structures328 a,b constructed in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention. It should be readily apparent that articulated structuressuch as articulated structure 328 a,b may also be incorporated in casesof the invention such as a case 215.

In this embodiment, articulatable structures, such as structures 328 a,bare included on a portion of opposing sides walls 330 a,b of housing314. In other embodiments, there are additional articulatable structuresof varying length and position on housing 314, such as on the backsurface 332 of housing 314.

In this embodiment, when at rest or unarticulated, articulatablestructures 328 a,b in a parallel position with respect to the side walls330 a,b. Articulatable structures 328 a.b define and enable positive andnegative pivotal movement of one or both of an upper portion 314U ofhousing 314 and a lower portion 314L of housing 314 whereby upperportion 314U and lower portion 314L may move in opposing directionsrelative to one another and the respective axes formed by side walls 330a,b.

In this embodiment, articulatable structures 328 a,b are biased towardsthe unarticulated rest position, that is, a parallel position withrespect to side walls 330 a,b. Articulatable structures 328 a,b in thisembodiment may also be resistant to pivoting motion and rigidizing, thatis, stiffen when at rest in the unarticulated condition. Thus, whilearticulatable structures 328 a,b enable pivotal motion into anarticulated positions, articulatable structures 328 a,b facilitatehousing 314 returning and maintaining an unarticulated condition, whichin this embodiment is generally rectangular and planar form.

In this embodiment, each articulatable structure 328 a,b includeslinking elements or segments 334, 336 and 338 having a body 329. Inother embodiments, there may be more or less linking sections than shownin this embodiment. Segments 334, 336 and 338 are physicallyinterconnected with one another and configured to form a portion of sidewalls 330 a,b, respectively. In this embodiment, segment 334 isassociated with or otherwise engaged to lower portion 314L, and segment338 is associated with or otherwise engaged to upper portion 314U.

Each segment 334, 336 and 338 includes a first connecting end 340 and asecond connecting end 342. In this embodiment, first and secondconnecting ends 340 and 342 are generally opposing one another along theaxes defined by the side walls 330 a,b of housing 314. Segments 334,336, 338 may include various features which are the same, related to orcorrespond with, the functional design and/or style of housing 314, suchas an axial beveled portion 331 between first connecting end 340 andsecond connecting end 342.

First connecting end 340 includes a protruding member 344 extending froma surface defined by shoulder 346. Second connecting end 342 includes anrecessed portion 348 between opposing arms 350 a,b having lateral ends351 a,b defining a jaw 353. Each segment 334, 336 and 338 includes aconduit 352 extending from the first connecting end 340 to the secondconnecting end 342. Conduit 352 is sized to receive an elongated supportpost 354 therein. Each first connecting end 340 of a segment (such assegments 334 and 336), and each second connecting end 342 of a segment(such as segments 336 and 338), cooperate with one another to form anon-permanent engagement having the protruding member 344 of a firstsegment being received by recessed portion 348 of the second segmentwith the shoulder 346 of the first segment abutting the lateral ends 351a,b of the second segment. Post 354 is of sufficient length to extendthrough the conduit 352 in each segment 334, 336 and 338 to form a joint356 of articulatable structure 328 a,b.

In this embodiment, protruding member 344 is generally convex in shape,whereas recessed portion 348 is generally concave. Conduit 352 extendsfrom within the concave recessed portion 348 of second connecting end342 through shoulder 346 of the first connecting end 340. In thisembodiment, conduit 352 is positioned substantially centrally withrespect to the recessed portion 348 and shoulder 346. Each post 354 maybe rigid or have the characteristics of being flexible or deformable yetresilient. In this embodiment, the two posts 354 on either side are alsogenerally biased to remain in an axial, unbent condition. The post 354may be constructed of carbon or other materials.

Each side wall 330 a,b has at the upper portion 314U and lower portion314L a corresponding first connecting end or second connecting endconfiguration. Lower portion 314L includes articulatable structureconnectors 358 a,b which are analogous to first connecting end 340 andupper portion 314U includes articulatable structure connectors 360 a,bwhich are analogous to second connecting end 342. Thus, articulatablestructure connectors 358 a,b include a protruding member 344 andshoulder 346 and articulatable structure connectors 360 a,b include arecessed portion 348 defining jaw 353 having between opposing arms 350a,b. Upper portion 314U includes upper holes 362 in side walls 330 a,b.Each upper hole 362 in a side wall 330 a,b is configured to receive afirst end of a post 354, respectively. Lower portion 314L includes lowerholes 364 in each side wall 330 a,b, with each hole 364 being configuredto receive a second end of a post 354.

In this embodiment post 354 extends from one of upper holes 362 and/orlower holes 364 into a support member 366 which is disposed in housing314. Support member 366 includes a conduit 368 for receiving post 354therein. In this embodiments, a support member 366 is mounted in upperportion 314U adjacent to each of side walls 330 a,b, and each supportmember 366 receives the portion of post 354 extending from upper holes362 in conduit 368. Additional support members may be mounted in lowerportion 314L adjacent side walls 330 a,b and include conduits forreceiving the portion of post 354 extending through lower holes 364.Posts 354 and/or support members such as support member 366 may be madeof a resilient and elastic material, such as silicone or othermaterials. In some embodiments, support members such as support member366 may be deformed by post 354 as housing 314 bends at articulatedstructure 328 a,b. Support member 366 may be resistant to deformationand thus bias against the force of post 354 whereby the articulatedstructures 328 a,b are correspondingly biased to return to a non-flexedor rest condition.

When in the articulated condition, arms 350 a,b of jaw 353 abutprotruding member 344 with lateral ends 351 a,b contacting shoulder 346to provide resistance and limit the maximum degree of articulation,among other things. In some embodiments the range of pivot enabled bythe embodiment shown herein is from zero (or greater than zero) to aboutfive (5) degrees in either direction relative to the axes of side walls330 a,b with zero being an unarticulated condition. The range may befurther enabled for pivoting between positive and negative about two andone half (2.5) degrees and/or in three-dimensions. In some embodiments,segments 334, 336 and 338 may axially separate along post 354 whileremaining connected to post 354 extended through conduits 352 wherebyupper housing 314U and lower housing 314L may be twisted, and further,pivoted about each of side walls 330 a,b.

In other embodiments, the range of pivot may be in three-dimensionsand/or greater or less than five degrees, depending on the configurationof jaw 353 or lateral ends 351 a,b relative to shoulder 346 and/or thenumber of joints 356 included in the articulatable structure 328.

While not shown in this embodiment, each joint 356 may further includespacers between first connecting end 340 and second connecting end 342.Articulatable structure 328 a,b may be composed of various materialsincluding metals and polymers.

In some embodiments, upper and lower housing portions are not configuredto be flexible, but in other embodiments, upper and lower housingportions could be made to be flexible with a flexible battery andflexible circuit boards. In some embodiments, the housing is furtherconfigured to support a movable or “floating” battery which movesbetween two locations to accommodate pivotal movement of the housing.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in theembodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is notessential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations describedherein may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, andembodiments of the invention may include additional or fewer operationsthan those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated thatexecuting or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneouslywith, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of theinvention.

It should be understood that the parts described above may have anyshape and dimensions whatsoever and may be replaced by other componentswhich serve the same purpose.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention andalso to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention,including making and using any devices or systems and performing anyincorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is definedby the claims, and may include other examples that occur to thoseskilled in the art. Other aspects and features of the invention can beobtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appendedclaims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed within the scope of the appended claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the precise types ofhardware and components used in the device of the invention are notvital to the full implementation of the invention.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenienceonly. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature ofa drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with anyfeature of any other drawing.

While exemplary devices, apparatus, systems and methods of the inventionhave been described herein, it should also be understood that theforegoing is only illustrative of a few particular embodiments withexemplary and/or preferred features, as well as principles of theinvention, and that various modifications can be made by those skilledin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.Therefore, the described embodiments should not be considered aslimiting of the scope of the invention in any way. Accordingly, theinvention embraces alternatives, modifications and variations which fallwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth by the claimsand any equivalents thereto.

1. A housing for a mobile device comprising: at least two opposing sidewalls defining an interior space therein, a side wall of the at leasttwo opposing side walls defining an interior side wall surface and anexterior side wall surface, wherein the interior surface is adjacent theinterior space, the side wall further comprising an articulatedstructure in an intermediate position of the side wall, the intermediateposition of the articulated structure dividing the side wall into afirst side wall portion and a second side wall portion, the first sidewall portion including an axial first side wall hole, the second sidewall portion including an axial second side wall hole, the articulatedstructure defining a joint comprising: a) a segment comprising a bodydefining a first end and a second end, the body including a axialconduit defined therein between the first end and the second end, theaxial conduit having a first opening and a second opening, the firstopening being at the first end and the second opening being at thesecond end, the first end including an axially protruding member and alateral shoulder adjacent to the first opening, the second end includinga recessed space adjacent to an axial arm, the axial arm having alateral end, wherein the first end and second end form an engagementwhereby the recessed space receives the protruding member therein andthe lateral shoulder of the first end is positioned adjacent to thelateral end of the axial arm of the second end, and wherein the axialconduits of the segment, the axial first side wall hole and the axialsecond side wall hole are aligned by the engagement; and b) a posthaving a first end and a second end, the post extending through thealigned conduits of the segment, wherein the first end of the post isreceived in the axial first side wall hole and the second end of thepost is received in the second side wall hole.
 2. The housing of claim1, further comprising a support member engaged with the first side wallportion, the support member having an elongated body with a longitudinalconduit defined therein, the longitudinal conduit being in axialalignment with the axial first side wall hole, wherein the post extendsinto the longitudinal conduit.
 3. The housing of claim 1, wherein therecessed space is concave.
 4. The housing of claim 1, wherein theprotruding member is convex.
 5. The housing of claim 1, wherein eachopposing side wall of the at least two opposing side walls include thearticulated structure.
 6. The housing of claim 6, wherein thearticulated structure on each opposing side wall is laterally aligned.7. The housing of claim 1, wherein the post is constructed of adeformable material.
 8. The housing of claim 1, wherein the engagementenables pivotal movement of the first side wall portion and the secondside wall portion relative to one another of about five degrees.
 9. Thehousing of claim 1, wherein the engagement is biased to maintain thearticulated structure in a parallel relationship with the side wall. 10.A housing for a mobile device comprising: at least two opposing sidewalls defining an interior space therein, each side wall of the at leasttwo opposing side walls defining an interior side wall surface and anexterior side wall surface, wherein the interior surface is adjacent theinterior space, each side wall further comprising an articulatedstructure in an intermediate position of the side wall, the intermediateposition of the articulated structure dividing the side wall into afirst side wall portion and a second side wall portion, the first sidewall portion including an axial first side wall hole, the second sidewall portion including an axial second side wall hole, the articulatedstructure defining a joint comprising: a) a group of at least twosegments, each segment of the group comprising a body defining a firstend and a second end, the body including a axial conduit defined thereinbetween the first end and the second end, the axial conduit having afirst opening and a second opening, the first opening being at the firstend and the second opening being at the second end, the first endincluding an axially protruding member and a lateral shoulder adjacentto the first opening, the axially protruding member having a convexdistal end portion, the second end including a recessed concave spaceadjacent to laterally opposing axial arms, each of the laterallyopposing axial arms having a lateral end surface, wherein the first endand second end form an engagement whereby the recessed concave spacereceives the convex distal end portion of the protruding member thereinand the lateral shoulder of the first end is positioned adjacent to thelateral end surfaces of the laterally opposing axial arms of the secondend, and wherein the axial conduits of the at least two segments, theaxial first side wall hole and the axial second side wall hole arealigned by the engagement; and b) a post having a first end and a secondend, the post extending through the aligned conduits of the at least twosegments, wherein the first end of the post is received in the axialfirst side wall hole and the second end of the post is received in thesecond side wall hole.
 11. The housing of claim 10, wherein theengagement enables pivotal movement of each segment of the grouprelative to one another ranging from a rest condition to about fivedegrees.
 12. The housing of claim 10, wherein the engagement enablespivotal movement of the first side wall portion and the second side wallportion relative to one another ranging from a rest condition to abouttwenty degrees.
 13. The housing of claim 10, wherein the engagement isbiased to maintain the articulated structure in a parallel relationshipwith the side wall.
 14. The housing of claim 10, wherein the articulatedstructure divides each side wall into first side wall portions of equallongitudinal length and second side wall portions of equal longitudinallength.
 15. The housing of claim 10, wherein the post is constructed ofa deformable material.
 16. A housing for a mobile device comprising: atleast two opposing side walls defining an interior space therein, a sidewall of the at least two opposing side walls defining an interior sidewall surface and an exterior side wall surface, wherein the interiorsurface is adjacent the interior space, the side wall further comprisingan articulated structure in an intermediate position of the side wall,the intermediate position of the articulated structure dividing the sidewall into a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion, thefirst side wall portion including a support member adjacent theintermediate position, the support member having an elongated body witha longitudinal conduit defined therein, the second side wall portionincluding an axial second side wall hole, the articulated structuredefining a joint comprising: a) a group of at least two segments, eachsegment of the group comprising a body defining a first end and a secondend, the body including a axial conduit defined therein between thefirst end and the second end, the axial conduit having a first openingand a second opening, the first opening being at the first end and thesecond opening being at the second end, the first end including anaxially protruding member and a lateral shoulder adjacent to the firstopening, the second end including a recessed space adjacent to an axialarm, the axial arm having a lateral end, wherein the first end andsecond end form an engagement whereby the recessed space receives theprotruding member therein and the lateral shoulder of the first end ispositioned adjacent to the lateral end of the axial arm of the secondend, and wherein the axial conduits of the at least two segments, thelongitudinal conduit and the axial second side wall hole are aligned bythe engagement; and b) a post having a first end and a second end, thepost extending through the aligned conduits of the at least twosegments, wherein the first end of the post is received in thelongitudinal conduit and the second end of the post is received in thesecond side wall hole.
 17. The housing of claim 16, wherein the groupcomprises three or more segments.
 18. The housing of claim 16, whereineach side wall includes the articulated structure.
 19. The housing ofclaim 16, wherein the articulated structures on each side wall arelaterally aligned.
 20. The housing of claim 16, wherein the post isconstructed of a deformable material.